"My daughter… Adeline, my dear, please wake up… wake up."
Water splashed against her face, and her vision slowly began to clear. Everything was a blur, the world spinning as she struggled to grasp her surroundings. Her head throbbed, and the brightness felt unbearable.
Where am I? Why is it so bright?
A deep, concerned voice pierced through her disorientation. "Sage, please, tell me… is my little princess alright?"
A towering man with a dark beard leaned over her, his eyes brimming with concern. His overwhelming presence made her stomach churn, and the weight of his gaze felt unsettlingly familiar.
Is that Father? No, that can't be him. When did he become so… muscular? And since when does he call me his 'little princess'?
Her heart pounded as she stared up at him, struggling to reconcile the stranger's face with the father she remembered.
Everything feels so different... Wasn't I hit by that truck? Yes, the accident...
She tried to sit up when an elderly man with a thick white beard and flowing robe stepped forward, gently placing his hand on her forehead.
"Hmmm..." he muttered, and Lena felt a sharp pain in her head. A warm glow surrounded her, and fragments of unfamiliar memories—disjointed and out of place—flooded her mind.
These aren't my memories!
Have I been isekai'd?
Don't tell me I crash with Truck-kun?
The Sage withdrew his hand, his expression thoughtful, before speaking in a calm, steady tone. "Rest assured, Your Majesty, the princess has suffered only a minor concussion—nothing serious. She will recover in time. I have casted a healing mantra, she should feel better"
A healing mantra?
Isn't that one of the mid-tier spells in Otome Legends?
Isekai'd into the game?
To test if this wasn't just a dream, she pinched her hand hard, causing others to glance at her strangely.
"Ouch!"
Yes, this is real!
The Sage studied her intently before continuing, "I will also prescribe some medicine. The fall, though seemingly minor, could have other repercussions."
Oh! Yeah, I shouldn't have done that. According to the memories, I'm a princess now!
"I understand," the King replied, bowing respectfully.
Without another word, the Sage quietly took his leave, casting a final glance at her direction.
"Daughter …" Lena flinched as the King—who looked so much like her father—turned his attention toward her.
Why does his gaze feel so heavy? Does he know?
"Daughter how are you feeling?" he asked, his voice full of concern.
"I am... fine... Father, feeling good...," she replied, though the words felt hollow on her tongue, even foreign.
Am I speaking a different language?
She could see the concern still etched on his face as he gently patted her head.
A concerned father? How am I supposed to handle that? And why the hell does he have the same face as my old man?
He nodded, his expression darkening as his piercing gaze swept over the room.
His tone turned colder than ice. "What caused my daughter's accident? Were none of you watching over her?" His voice thundered, carrying both authority and anger.
The attendants surrounding him flinched, heads bowed, muttering apologies and explanations.
A maid, trembling at the foot of the bed, stammered, "Your Majesty, it's just that the princess asked …"
"You're blaming my daughter?" The King's voice sliced through the air, his imposing presence filling the room. The maid shrank back.
"Your Majesty, please forgive me, I didn't—"
"You've abandoned your duty," the King interrupted, his words like thunder. "Pack your things. I don't want to see you here again."
Okay, that's the father I know! But isn't this going too far?
"Old man..." she began, then quickly corrected herself. "I mean... Father—" Lena's voice broke through the tension. She pushed herself up and stepped between the King and the trembling maid.
"Adeline?" The King's surprise was evident in his voice. "I will ensure this negligence never happens again. This maid—"
The maid's eyes widened with fear, bracing for the worst. But Lena stepped forward, locking eyes with her father.
Against a true king, I might falter—but one who looks like my old man? Not a chance I'm backing down!
"It was my fault. I wasn't paying attention. Please… don't punish her."
His stern expression remained unchanged.
Seriously? Do I have to play the perfect Otome princess now?
She sighed inwardly before adding, "Pretty please…"
The King's stern facade faltered for a moment, a heavy sigh escaping him. His shoulders tensed, but his voice remained unwavering. "Adeline, for your sake, I'll forgive her this time." He turned to the maid, his gaze icy. "But if this happens again, she'll lose more than just her position."
Lena forced a strained smile. "Thank you, Father."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Princess." The maid quickly bowed.
"Daughter, as the Sage advised, you must rest. Don't push yourself. No one will disturb you."
He turned to the others. "Everyone, leave."
Lena hesitated for a moment before speaking. "As you say, Father… wait… can she stay with me?"
The King raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "For what purpose?"
Of course, to get some answers.
"I… may need assistance. She can help me."
The King's gaze lingered on the maid, his scrutiny sharp. "I will arrange for someone else…"
"She works best; I know her best," Lena replied quickly, pointing to the maid.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I can take care of the Princess," the maid added, her tone respectful.
After a moment, the King nodded, his voice still firm. "Take care of my daughter, and don't let me hear complaints."
Once the King and the others had left, Lena wasted no time. She swiftly locked the door behind them, the sharp click of the lock cutting through the silence. Her hands trembled as she turned to the maid, her gaze hard and commanding.
"Maid, you will answer my questions. Now." Lena's voice was cold, her tone leaving no room for argument.
"Yes, Princess…" The maid bowed, her voice soft, yet her posture stiffened with unease.
"And remember, not a word of this to my father or anyone in the kingdom. You wouldn't want me to report this, would you?" Lena's eyes narrowed as she lifted her gaze, her voice sharp and deliberately threatening.
The maid hesitated, her eyes flickering nervously as she sensed the sudden tension in the room. Something felt wrong.
"First, tell me the date" Lena's demand came quickly, her impatience clear.
The maid blinked, a mixture of confusion and concern crossing her face. She stepped back slightly, caught off guard.
"I may or may not have… some amnesia." Lena's voice was low but firm, her expression unreadable.
"What…?" The maid's eyebrows furrowed in disbelief, her breath catching slightly.